March 19, 2009

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8409

or Sgt. R.K. Hughes, 803-896-8164

SC HIGHWAY PATROL NAMES TROOPERS TO FILL CRITICAL POSITIONS

COLUMBIA – The S.C. Department of Public Safety Director Mark Keel today announced his choice to fill four critical positions in the Highway Patrol command staff that have been vacant since February. 

Three key personnel in the agency's command staff retired in February as part of an early retirement incentive offered by SCDPS to help address funding shortfalls. Additionally, Colonel F.K. Lancaster, Jr. was promoted from a major’s position, leaving a total of four positions to be filled in the command staff, which oversees the Highway Patrol operations throughout the state.

Director Keel and Colonel Lancaster announced the promotion of the following personnel to fill these positions:

Lieutenant Colonel: Mike Oliver. Lt. Col. Oliver, a Lancaster native, joined the Highway Patrol in 1982. He has spent the majority of his career in Troop Four. He most recently served as commander over the Communications’ Unit in Blythewood. Oliver has a strong background in both field operations and administration. He has extensive experience in the areas of technology and project management, which are both vital qualifications for the person serving second-in-command of the division.

Region One Major: Leroy Taylor. Major Taylor, a Richland County native, joined the Highway Patrol in 1988. He has been stationed in Troop One for the majority of his career. He most recently served as commander over Troop One since 2005.

Region Two Major: Melvin Warren. Major Warren, a Greeleyville native, has been with the Highway Patrol since 1985. He has spent his entire Highway Patrol career in the Pee Dee area and most recently served as commander of Troop Five since 2007.

Special Operations’ Major: Christopher Madden. Major Madden, a Union County native, joined the Highway Patrol in 1992. He has primarily served in various functions with the ACE Team most recently as the commander of the ACE Unit since 2007.

"I am pleased with the professionalism and leadership exhibited by each of these men," Keel said. "Like everyone else, we are facing extremely difficult times with a much decreased budget. This reality demands that we use our resources more wisely and efficiently than ever. In short, that means having the very best people in place to ensure this is a reality."

Lancaster said he is looking forward to getting down to business with fatality reduction plans and a focus on the reduction of DUI collisions and deaths in the state.

"South Carolina is second in the nation in DUI deaths," Lancaster said. "This is an alarming and unacceptable number to me. One of my first priorities for the new staff will be tasking them with a statewide effort to reduce these numbers and to continue a strong emphasis on increasing safety belt use."

**Click on names above to see picture***